Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 28 February 2023

Joint Committee On Children, Equality, Disability, Integration And Youth

Integration and Refugee Issues: Discussion (Resumed)

1:20 am

Ms Wendy Muperi:

Regarding integration, I agree that that model is probably the best but because of the different lived realities of people arriving here, it might take a little bit more effort to engage them to come to the same level where they can access the addiction services spoken about. Some are coming from a culture where drinking too much is celebrated or is deemed normal. Regarding mental health, there is a lot people need to learn about seeking help. People may be coming from cultures where they have to "pray it away". It will take longer than necessary in terms of getting help. We need to educate and raise awareness to make sure people are able to use the services under this model.